We had the good fortune of connecting with Corey Lightner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Corey, we’d love to hear more about your end-goal, professionally.
It’s loud, busy, and everyone is ready for the show. When suddenly the name, Corey Lightner, echos throughout the room and appears on screen. All at once, the noise instantly settles as the crowd becomes attentive, excited, and ready to be entertained. By the end of my career I aspire for my name to hold such weight. The answer to the how will I get there, is simple but not easy. A media and production company, built on bringing the stories of others to life. This company will produce films, television shows and multiple other forms of content that immerse its viewers into new worlds. This central hub, of innovative works and energy, will be a place for content that resonates with people on a deeper level; existing as a home to characters that people will grow to love for generations to come. For me, the end goal isn’t to be rich in finances but to be wealthy in the immense joy and art of story telling; allowing others to be heard and form stories that make audiences tear with laughter, connect with relatability, and ponder with curiosity. I’m going to change the way people see the world through the lens of film.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I primarily operate as a photographer and videographer. Secondarily as a director / producer.

I am most proud of the recent productions I’ve been in charge of, as they are about to be released soon. This includes music videos, short films and other forms of video content.

What sets me apart is my perspective. The lens in which I create from is very empathetic, vibrant and adaptable. To be more specific, I’ve lived a life that required me to constantly evolve. Change homes, change mindsets, change environments. With that comes a heighten sense of emotional intelligence; knowing how people feel in the room you’re in and acting accordingly. I pride myself in my ability to listen, as it helps me problem solve and connect with others. This skill shows in the way I create, when making something for a client I am all ears in hearing every detail they want. Vibrant in that I’m attracted to things with just a hint of flair. I’m pretty anti-trendy so I tend to break conformity / tradition in order to come up with innovative solves when necessary.

Nothing worth it in life is ever really easy, its all about how you see it though. Gaining new insight and differing perspectives helps you take the problem and look at it in a new way. Ideals like these fuse into my brand; determination and allowing innovation.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m still exploring ATL, as I’ve only been here for a little over six months. I will say some of my favorite places have been the Cocoa Cola Factory, Little 5 Points area, and Eggs Harbor Cafe. There’s still a ton of places on my list to explore. Hopefully I can knock a few more out by the end of the year.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
In my personal story, there have been many who’ve pushed me to keep going and even guided me from the start. For me that primary person is split between my mom and grandfather, who’ve both shaped and molded my mind into the person I’ve become today. Additionally, each and every person I’ve befriended has played a role and making me think differently. They know who exactly who they are.

Website: https://www.coreylightner.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prod.by_koray/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreylightner/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbzhVHV9diS0y9_bzt6FP2w

Other: https://linktr.ee/KORAYzCreative

Image Credits
Corey Lightner, Tyrone Hawkins, Catrina Wilson, Frank Battle

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